Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional Math Disability anyone?

When I was in school, I taught myself a math method for addition that basically has you use your fingers as an abacus. Here's the book I used - apparently it's still in print, with the same cover, even. I don't have dyscalculia, but it has been super helpful to me as an adjunct to working memory for years, and I bet it would be even better for someone like your DD.

Your left hand is the tens digit, and your right hand is the ones digit. Count by holding your hands over the table, and put down your index finger (one), middle finger (two), ring finger (three), pink finger (four), pick up your fingers and put down your thumb (five), put your index finger back down (six), etc. When all the fingers of your right hand are down (nine), you get to ten by picking them all up and putting down the index finger of your left hand. Basically, you are using your hands as a two-digit abacus, with the thumbs being the "five" beads and the fingers being the "one" beads.

You can get faster by developing automaticity in doing things like adding five or ten, but the basic how-to-count principle may be enough for your DD to be able to use this to get herself where she needs to be.

Actually, have you ever showed her an abacus? If it clicks for her (no pun intended), I bet you'd have more luck getting a teacher to let her have access to that than to a traditional calculator.

Yes ElizabethN! I learned this system when I was 12 and still use it. People think I am a human calculator when I do this. I later added the trick of moving my foot to different positions for hundreds and can add long lists of numbers super quick. I haven't introduced it to DD yet out of fear it might confuse her but I think you're right. I need to do that. Thanks!

ETA: I never saw that book. Just forwarded the link to DD's teacher. Thanks again!

Can you give an example of how you would use this for calculations, like adding? Do you just basically use "counting on"? (For example, for 8+4, you would count up to 8, then continue adding fingers while saying "1,2,3,4" to yourself?)

For 8 plus 4, you would start with 8 (right thumb and three fingers down), then probably add five (thumb up, left index finger down) and subtract 1 (one finger up on right hand). Or you could count on by 4, but 5-1 is faster.

Just wanted to let you know that DD's teacher ordered the book ElizabethN recommended. Thank you! I have a good feeling about this. I think this approach is going to be a huge help for my DD.

Good luck! I really hope it helps her.